With Blockchain, the Travel Industry Welcomes the Smart Tourism Era

What is it about?

Blockchain technology has attracted considerable interest from academics and industry professionals. Utilization of blockchain technology in the tourism industry could result in significant gains, including digital identity management, tokenized loyalty programs, and enhanced accommodations and transportation. By analyzing recent academic research, we highlight key blockchain applications in smart tourism and address their benefits for the travel industry, local economies, and tourists. In addition, we present a novel AI-powered, blockchain-enhanced mobile app for smart tourism.

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Why is it important?

Many fascinating blockchain applications are currently available for the tourism and travel industries, including digital identity management, digital check-ins, baggage handling, and cryptocurrency payments. In order to stimulate discussion and research regarding this smart tourism trend, it is imperative to draw attention to this recent phenomenon.  By identifying significant study fields regarding the use of blockchain technology in the context of smart tourism, we lay the ground for future focused research in the area. We additionally demonstrate a context-aware mobile app that integrates blockchain technology and artificial intelligence so as to offer a smart tourist experience.